Electrical steam generator



Dec. 2o', 193s. H COWAN' 2,140,516

ELECTRICAL STEAM GENERATOR Filed Oct. l5, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet l Akne/PY Conn/AM 1N VEN TOR.

AUT/V555.' BY (7l mf ATTORNEYS.

DOC. 20, H. COWAN ELECTRICAL STEAM GENERATOR Filed Oct. 15, 1936 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 HAR/ey COA/,2mn

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 20, 1938. coWAN 2,140,516

ELECTRICAL S TEAM GENERATOR 77 AVA /e/Qv C70/MAM n INVENTOR v AT-TQRNEYS.

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Patented Dec. 20, 1938 UNITED' STATES PATENT OFFICE- 12 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in elec trical steam generators.

One of the principal features of the invention resides in an electrical steam generator by which a minimum volume of water is subjected'to a maximum amount of heat to produce a continuous supply of steam instantaneously.

From my knowledge of the prior art to which this invention relates, I have discovered that steam generated on the face of electrically heated plates causes a momentary breakin the generation of steam until such time as the steam has cleared the plates. This fault is particularly found in steam generators wherein the water acts in the capacity of an electrical conductor and wherein after each break in the generation of steam, water .again ows' to the surface of the heated plates to make contact and close the electric heating circuit. This intermittent cycle results in a uctuation in the electric current as well as in the generation of steam, and it is the purpose of this invention to provide an electrical steam generator which will overcome these objections by producing steam instantaneously'and in a constant manner.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a vaporizing unit ior the generation of steam vapors which consists oi' a wick interposed between a pair 'of heating elements whereby the heat oi the heating elements is proportionate to the amount of moisture absorbed by the wick to cause an immediate vaporization of the moisture. A further feature oi the invention is the proIn vision of a steam generating unit consisting of a pair of oraminated electrodes between which a water. supply wick is interposed, the oraminated electrodes acting to immediately release the steam vapors after their formation, thus reducing the time period of low production of steam while increasing the period of -greatest, production. In other words, the steam has a more rapid escape to the atmosphere through the porous electrodes and does not form bubbles as occurs in steam generators wherein solid electrodes are employed. A further feature of the invention resides in an electrical steam generator which may be used in connection with cabinet steam baths, sterilizers, water stills, steam radiators, steam cookers, facial and hair Steamers, steam dryers, coiee urns, milk Steamers, steam water baths, medicine vaporizers for inhalation and fumigation purposes, and for other uses in hospitals, beauty parlors, and commercial establishments..

With these and other objects in View, the lnvention resides in the certain novel construction,

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view showing I a modified form of the invention.

Figure 5 is a detail perspective View of the steam generating element per se, of the type used in the preceding forms of the invention.

Figure 6 is a side elevational View partly in section of a further modification.

Figure 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional View on the line 'I-l of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the steam generator unit shown. in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 9--9 of Figure 7..

Figure lll is a horizontal sectional View on the line lu-lll of Figure 7.

AFigure l1 is a detail perspective view of the inner heating element and itsshell which forms part of the steam generating unit shown in Figure 'l'.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters and particularly to the form oi my invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, the

rent and are of equal length; whereasrthe diameter o'f the inner cylindrical electrode II is less than that of the outer cylindrical electrode I2 to provide a space therebetween to snugly but not tightly receive a tubular insulating and spacer wick I3. When D. C. current is employed for Y operating the unit, the foraminated electrodes II and I2 may be constructed of a material of less oxidation than copper, such as stainless steel or the like. The Wick I3 ispreferably constructed of asbestos but may be made of any other absorbent non-combustible material. Connected to the top ends of the porous electrodes II and I2 are electric wires I4 and I5 respectively of an electric cord I6, tc the free end of which is attached liquid to be vaporized, such as water, medicansl a plug I1. It will thus be seen that normally when the asbestos wick I3 is dry .and acts as an insulator to space the electrodes, the circuit between the electrodes II and I2 is broken, assuming that the plug I1 is inserted into an electric outlet, but when the wick is saturated with moisture, the moisture acts as a conductor between the electrodes II and I2 to complete the circuit to cause heating of the foraminated electrodes.

In Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, I have illustrated the use of the steam generating unit I0 in association with a vaporizer |3 which may be used for the vaporization of water, medicament, fumigants, or the like, and which includes a receptacle I3 open at its top. A cover 20 is threaded to the top of the receptacle for closing the same and is provided with a central opening 2|. Freely passing through the opening 2| and extending beyond the top of the cover is the reduced threaded nipple 22 of a porcelain shell 23. The shell is provided with a central well 24 of uniform diameter, which well opens through the top of the shell while the lower end thereof is provided with a restricted liquid inlet passage 25 which opens into an enlarged recess 26. The walls oi the recess are provided with a beveled valve seat 21 with which the beveled head 23 of a gravity valve 23 normally engages. Y

The exterior of the shell 23 adjacent the threaded nipple is provided with a flange 33 against which a gasket 3| nts. The gasket 3| also ts against the underside of the cover to seal the joint between the same and the shell.

Threaded to the upwardly extending nipple 22 and engaging the top of the cover is the internally screw threaded nipple 32 of a cup shaped discharge head 33. The bottom of the cup shaped head is provided with a circular series of discharge orifices 34 which communicate with the well 24 through an enlarged cavity 36.

Before threadedly connecting the head 33 with the shell 23, the steam generator unit I0 is freely inserted into the well 24 through the open top thereof, so that the bottom of the same rests upon the bottom of the well 24 with the lower end of thewick I3 partially exposed to the recess 26 but not entirely covering the same. The electric cord I6 extends loosely through an opening 36 in the side wall of the shell 23 and thence through an opening 31 in the cover 23. The opening 36 serves to equalize pressure of the liquid in the container and the well and also serves to prevent the creation of a vacuum in the container as the liquid is consumed.

In practice, the` container I3 is. lled with ment, or fumigant, and the plug |1 is inserted into an electric outlet as shown at 31 in Figure 2 of the drawings. The liquid in the container I3 seeps into the recess 26 past the gravity valve 23, from where it enters the well 24 and is abin jet form through the discharge orices 34.V

Should the pressure of the steam or vapor back up or become accumulated within the well 24, it is prevented from escaping through the liquid inlet passage 23 by reason of the valve 23.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that a relatively small vaporizer having a self container of water or other liquid supply is provided, wherein the liquidsupply provides a greater output of steam or vapor at the start which gradually diminishes as the liquid level becomes lower. When the liquid level drops below the plane of the bottom of the well 24, the well and Wick become dry and the circuit in which the electrodes II and I2 are arranged becomes broken, thus providing an automatic shut oil. This vaporizer is especially adapted for use with A. C. current, for the reason that the current surges sixty times a second from one electrode to the other, causing the generation of continuous steam or vapor without feed back. Furthermore, by employing cylindrical screen electrodes the heat therefrom is suilicient to immediately vaporize the surrounding supply of liquid as it accumulates within the well and upon the wick.

In Eigure 4 of the drawings, I have illustrated a modified form of my invention wherein the liquid to be vaporized is fed to the generator unit by automatic gravity now. In this form the generator unit I3 is identical with that previously described and is seated in a well 33 formed in a standard 33 rising upwardly from a base 40. The base 4|| also has a pedestal 4| integral therewith in the top of which is a liquid supply well 42 which communicates with the bottom of the well 33 by a duct 43. The top of the pedestal is formed with a seat 44 upon which a bottle 45 containing water or other liquid is supported in an inverted position with the neck thereof extending into the well 42. The mouth of the bottle is closed by a screw cap 46 having a restricted outlet 41 therein. 'I'he outlet is normally closed by a valve 43 from which a valve stem 43 extends. A spring 50 surrounds the stem 43 and tends to maintain the valve 43 in closed position, but when the bottle is supported upon its seat 44 the valve is moved to open position by reason of the outer end of the stem engaging the bottom of the well 42. The level of the liquid in the well 42 is maintained on a plane with the top of the generator'unit I0, and the gravity'flow from the well 42 to the well 33 is through the duct 43. A check valve 5| is provided .in the bottom of the well 33 and serves the same function of preventing feed back'of steam from the steam well 33 into the liquid supply. The top of the standard 33 is screw threaded for receiving any desired form of discharge head.

In practice, war or other liquid may be fed to the generator unit I3 in the quantities necessary to maintain the wick I3 in moistened condition. However, should the source of supply become exhausted, the circuit through the porous velectrodes and I2 is broken. By employing a bottle to contain the liquid. it is possible to keep watch of the contents and` to refillthe bottle with liquid should the supply become low.

In Figures 6 to 11 inclusive, I have shown a further modification wherein the wick of the gen'- erating unit is isolated from the electric heating elements instead of in contact therewith as heretofore shown and described. In this form, the generating unit is designated in its entirety at 63 and includes a cylindricrical open top casing 6|, the bottom of which is supported in elevated position by legs 62. Snugly fitting into the casing 3| and closing the open top thereof is a metal .spool shaped member 33 having the exterior of its cylindrical bodyportion provided with a spiral groove 34 in which a ribbon-like heating element 3l is countersunk. Wires 33 lead from opposite ends of the heating element 65 to positive and negative binding posts 61, on the top of the memi ber 63. The positive and negative leads of an electric conductor 68 are also joined to 'the respective posts 61.

Snugly fitting within the spool shaped member 63 is a cylindrical asbestos wick 69, and fitting within the cylindrical wick is a metal cylindrical member 10 having its bottom supported in an elevated position above the bottom of the casing Bl by legs 1l. Snugly fitting within the cylindrical member 10 is a porcelain core 12 having a spiral groove 13 in which a ribbon like heating element 14 is countersunk. Wires 15 connect opposite ends of the heating element 14 to the respective binding posts- 61. A cylinder of mica 16 is interposed between the core 12 and the cylindrical member 10, and other metallic parts may be similarly insulated to avoid short circuiting of the heating elements when current is fed thereto. I

Threaded in the bottom of the casing 6i centrally thereof is a nipple 11 in which a gravity check valve 18 is mounted. An elbow 19 is threadedto the nipple 11 and connects the nipple with a pipe line 8i! leading to a source of liquid supply 8l which may be in the form of an inverted bottle or tank as shown in Figure 6. `A hand operated valve 82 is arranged 'in the pipe line to control tne flow of liquid from the source of supply to the generator unit.

In the operation of the generator just described, liquid is fed from the source of supply by'gravity and entering the casing 6i through the nipple 11, from where it is'absorbed by the wick B9. Either A. C. or D. C. current is supplied to the spiral heating elements and 14 and heats the members 63 and 10 between whichthe wick is interposed and transforms the moisture in the wick to steam or vapor. The steam or vapor rises through the top of the wick and passes therefrom to the atmosphere. Any steam pressure which may accumulate within the chamber between the casing bottom and the bottom of the member 'lil is prevented from feeding back into the liquid supply line by reason of the check valve 18.

While I have shown and described what I consider to be the best embodiments of my invention, I wish it to be understood that other modifications may be resorted to if desired, as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States', is:-

1. A steam generator comprising a well open at its top, an absorbent heating element freely disposed in said well in close proximity to the side walls thereof, a liquid supply reservoir having communications with said well through the bottom thereof, said well being formed of insulation material and removably supported in an upright position in the reservoir and means preventing feed back of steam through the bottom of said Well into the liquid feeding means when the water therein is transformed into steam by.

said absorbent heating element.

2. A steam generator comprising in combination, a well open at itstop and having a water inlet at the bottom thereof, an electric absorbent heating element freely disposed in said well in close proximity to the walls thereof, said heating element including a pair of spaced foraminous electrodes, a loose packing of insulation material interposed between said electrodes and adapted,

when subjected to the water inthe well, to 'act 'as a conductor between the electrodes for heating the water.

3. `A steam generator comprising in combination, a receptacle having a removable cover and adapted to contain a supply of liquid to be transformed into steam, a well member having a steam outletat the top thereof, said well being formed of insulation material and removably suspended in an upright position within said receptacle by said cover, an inlet in the bottom of said well member foradmitting liquid thereinto from said receptacle, an electric absorbent heating element contained within said well member, and means at said inlet for preventingl feed back of steam generated in said well member from backing up into said receptacle and conduit means leading from the well to the receptacle above the heating element to equalize pressure in the'well and receptacle.

4. In a steam generator, an absorbent heating unit comprising a pair of spaced low resistance foraminated electrodes, and a spacing element of loose insulation material interposed between said electrodes and adapted, when saturated, to act as a conductor between said electrodes.

5. In a steam generator, a heating unit comprising a pair of spaced cylindrical perforated low resistance foraminous electrodes arranged in concentric relation, and a non-combustible spacing element of loose material interposed between and in intimate contact with said cylindrical electrodes and adapted, when saturated, to act as a conductor between said electrodes.

6. In a steam generator, a heating unit comprising a pair of spaced concentric low resistance screen electrodes, and a tubular non-combustible spacing element of loose material interposed between andin intimate contact with said screen electrodes and adapted, when saturated, to act as a conductor betweenv said electrodes.

1. A steam generator comprising in combination, a well of insulation material having an inlet in its bottom and a steam discharge outlet at its top, an absorbent heating element freely fitting in said well, and means responsive to steam pressure in the well for automatically supplying a liquid to said well through said inlet, said liquid being utilized as a conductor to energize said heating element.

8f In a steam generator, an electric steam generating unit comprising a pair of cylindrical ,screen electrodes of different diameters and of substantially equal lengths, the smaller diameter electrode being disposed in spaced concentric relation to the electrode of larger diameter, and a ,non-combustible spacing element of loose material interposed between said cylindrical screen f water inlet in its bottom, a reduced threaded neck at the top end of said well member extending through the opening in said cover, a steam jet member. threaded to the neck of said well member and supporting s aid well member in a suspended position in the receptacle, and an electric heater element contained within said well member.

10. A steam generator comprising a receptacle adapted to contain a liquid to be transformed into steam vapor having an open top, a cover closing the open top of said receptacle and having a central opening therein, a well member open at its top and havingl a water inlet in its bottom, a reduced threaded neck at the top end of said well member extending through the opening in said cover, a steam jet member threaded to the neck of said Well member, an electric heater element contained Within said well member and utilizing the liquid therein as a conductor, and automatic valve means in said water inlet and responsive to steam pressure in the well for controlling the flow of liquid from said receptacle to said Well member and for preventing the feed back of steam generated in said well member from backing up in said receptacle.

11. In a steam generator, a'n electrical heating' unit comprising spaced concentric Wire mesh screen electrodes of relatively low electrical resistance, and a porous spacer element oi nonconducting material interposed between said electrodes and adapted, when saturated, to act as vbeing of relatively low electrical resistance, and

a cylindrical porous insulating element interposed between said inner and outer cylindrical wire mesh electrodes and adapted, when saturated, to 'act as a conductor between said electrodes to heat the liquid in the well.

HARRY COWAN. 

